Almost to the end of another month. And the end of another year in my life. I will turn 80 on Thursday, which is October 2. So to celebrate we, Ann and I will be doing our usual thing. This time however, we will be birding at Uvalde, Texas. A friend has invited us to use his bird blind down there, with promises of brand new birds for our life list.
We are leaving Wednesday morning Oct. 1, and will return Friday, October 3. So I am looking forward to posting a blog over the weekend, hopefully with a bunch of new images of some new birds.
This will probably be my last post until the weekend, so here are a few recent photos that I have gotten locally.
This Northern Cardinal was at the bird blind at San Angelo State Park. I thought he was too pretty to ignore.
We happened to look out the door of the blind, and we spotted a Greater Roadrunner on our Ford Escape. Fortunately, besides the camera that was mounted on the tripod, I also had a second Canon 70D with my 100-400mm lens handy. I grabbed it and got these shots before the roadrunner hopped off and ran towards the brush.
Not seeing as many birds that we had hoped, we took a drive around the park for a few minutes. Not too many birds in the building. A year or so ago, they, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, took upon themselves to spray the thick mesquite that is in abundance in the park. The thought was that that the brushy trees were sapping too much of the valuable water of the area. That was probably true, but in killling the trees, they also destroyed valuable habitat. I believe that is why the populace of birds, hawks, and wildlife in general has declined.
But having said that, we was this Loggerhead Shrike on a thorny, dead branch.
So I apologize for the short post, but I hope to make for it in my next post. But no promises, as I will then be an old man of 80, so we can get absent-minded. But I would hate to have to start visiting the senior center downtown, because that is where all of the old people hang out. 🙂
Happy Birthday Bob!
Thanks very much, Lauri.
Happy Birthday, Bob! I hope you have a fabulous trip and I look forward to seeing some eye-popping photos! Best wishes!!
Thank you so much, Amy. I really appreciate you. 🙂
Happu Birthday your the best
Thank you very much, Jeanne.
Best wishes from Donnette and me for a very happy birthday, Bob. Sounds like that birding trip to Uvalde is a tailor-made birthday gift for you. (BTW, loved the pics of the roadrunner. I guess it will use your car the next time it needs to “run the road.”)
Thanks, Dwynn. I think Ann and I are going to have a blast. I know that we will pick a lifer or two, and get some great photos.
Thanks for the last post before you become 80 and forgetful! Don’t think that will happen. You will never be old because age is just a state of mind and from what I see your mind is pretty youthful! I love the roadrunner. It felt very comfortable there because the vehicle seems to belong there after so many visits. Happy Birthday…have a great day and a wonderful year. hugs
I think I will be okay if I stay away from the old people at the senior center. 🙂 Thanks Beth.
Have a great time in Uvade. And Happy Birthday to boot.
Thanks, Dave. I appreciate it. Hope to get three or four lifers.
Love the roadrunner, Bob! Hope you have a wonderful time, and a very Happy Birthday to you from me and Colin!
Thanks, very much, Jo and Colin. 🙂
Hey Bob….very sincere Happy Birthday wishes to you……Love all your birding pics….Keep it up. Good health to you.
Brian Hensler
Thanks Brian. I hope you will visit my blog more often.
Happy Birthday Bob!
Thank you very much, Jerry.
Happy Birthday, Bob! Enjoy your trip!
Thanks, Karen. Nice to hear from you again. 🙂
Happy birthday Bob!
Many thanks, Jason. I appreciate it.
Happy birthday!! I hope you get a great birthday present…spot many new birds! I love the Roadrunner, have never seen one “live”.
Hi, Helen, thanks for much. Too bad that you have never seen a roadrunner. They are unique creatures. Maybe someday? 🙂
Happy birthday, young -at-heart! How is your “big year” bird list adding up so far? Hope this week helps to top it up.
Thanks, Jane. My “Texas big year” stands at 185 right now. My goal is to get to 200 and/or beyond.
Wow. Congratulations, Bob. Uvalde sounds wonderful. Looking forward to see what you find. Love the Roadrunner on the car. And the Shrike with thorns. 🙂
Thanks so much, Lisa. I’ll be posting next weekend about what I find down there. 🙂
Sounds like a fun outing. Happy birthday.
Thanks, Cathye. We’re looking to a fun time. 🙂
Have a wonderful birthday doing what you love!
Thanks so much, Rhonda. Glad you visited my blog and I hope you will do so again. 🙂
Happy 80th!
Thanks a bunch!
Happy Birthday!
Thank you very much, Victor.
First of all, Happy Birthday..and your photos are so great..love the red birds…but hats off to the Road Runner..they are such comical birds..have a great trip!!!
Thanks, Syl. It is fun getting old. 🙂
Dear friend Bobby, have a very Happy Birthday on Thursday! It’s always nice to hear from you for a funny story and wonderful bird photographs! 🙂
Thanks so much, H.J. I am so glad you enjoy my posts. 🙂
Happy Birthday (Almost), Funky Old Dude!
I keep getting funkier all the time, Toby. Thanks. 🙂